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When it comes to boat accessories, like car accessories, there are a lot of accessories to choose from. Not only is there a large selection of boat accessories, but like everything else that has a big demand in the market place, there are many brands, nuances…for any one boat accessory.

This is great because a boater can get precisely what they want. The hard part, or at least, the hard part in the past, is finding whats available in respect to different boat accessories. Today, by taking advantage of the internet, just like you are now if your reading this, you can in a very short time, search, find and educate yourself in regards to knowing exactly what your options are for any given boat accessory.

Simply do a search on Google for “boat accessories” or if you know exactly what your looking for , do a more specific search for a particular boat accessory.

Here’s a tip.

Do a search on the net for “boat accessories” at Google. You can find just about any boat accessory imaginable, read about it , compare products, pricing etc. If you know specifically what type of accessory your looking for you could save time by doing a more specific search. For example, need a cover for your bass boat – well then do a search for “bass boat cover”, pretty simple.

Some of the better boat accessory sites even offer “live chat help” in real time on their website.

So you can do your comparative shopping and then ask questions in real time if you still had questions! So even if you didn’t buy your boat accessory online, you can sure become one hell of an educated shopper.

Now, if you chose not to take advantage of the ease of purchasing online, at least you can go to your local boat accessory store and purchase what you want (if its in stock) rather than being ” sold” want the sales person has the biggest mark- up on.

The bottom line is boating accessories make your boating experience easier and more enjoyable.

They can also increase the value of your boat as well. Some accessories are necessary and others are just available for your convenience. When choosing boat accessories you will begin by getting the ones that are essential to keeping you safe and your boat in good condition.

The type of accessories that you need will also depend on the type of boat that you have.

For instance, a fishing boat will require different accessories than a sail boat or a speed boat would.

Consider your needs before you even start your online shopping or shall we call it, boat accessory information gathering! Sorry, I simply love the advantage the internet gives a person. SO , with that said, it is a good idea to sit down and make out a list of the accessories that you would like to have starting with the necessities first, than the toys.

Essential Boat Accessories

You don’t want to be caught out on the water without the right equipment. This could cause some very serious problems that could ruin an otherwise good day. Some of the essential boat accessories that you need to make sure you have before heading out are listed below.

Each one of these serves a different purpose and is needed to ensure that you have everything you need to keep you safe and help you care for your boat.

Always wear your life jackets or at least have them in an area that is easy to access when on the water. You never know when you may need them.

Non-essential Boat Accessories

Non-essential boat accessories are the items that you don’t need on-board your boat to be safe. However, they can help you to have a lot more fun or dress the boat up and make it look more attractive. Some of these would include the following.

These are just a few of the boat accessories that fall into this category. There are many more available. In fact, if you haven’t been shopping for accessories for your boat in a while, you may be surprised at all of the selections that are available. Adding boat accessories can make a huge difference in the appearance of your boat. Some of them can really increase the value and help you get a lot more for the boat if you decide to sell or trade at a later date. Don’t think just because an item is non-essential to the use of the boat that it is not important. Everything that you add will make a difference.

So the bottom line is, if you want to shop or simple compare boating accessories, give yourself the online advantage, educate yourself first on the net!

Many adults will say one of the most memorable parts of their childhood was the family’s camping trips. Camping is near and dear to a lot of peoples hearts whether the sleep out took place in the backyard or involved a more in depth planning and execution process. It makes sense that as those children grew up and had families of their own that they would want to continue the family tradition and take their children on camping trips as well. To make this dream a reality, the most important piece of equipment is the family camping tents. These tents have evolved over the years into virtual paradises of home like comfort.

You can find family camping tents in a variety of styles, sizes, and colors. Almost any version can be found to accommodate the family’s size and needs. Family camping tents are better made than ever with the advancement of technology, and are constructed of the most durable and weatherproof materials. While it may not be the optimal experience to camp in inclement weather, with these tents it doesn’t have to be the worst thing ever either. While deciding on the perfect tent for your family there is a certain criteria to keep in mind.

Before style even becomes a consideration, it is important to find a well made family camping tent. When you find a tent that you really like, check online message boards for honest reactions to the products performance. There are several websites available that are designed to provide consumer opinions. Then visit the local sporting goods store to take a look at the tent up close and personal. You will want to pay careful attention to the zippers, fastenings, and how easy or difficult the tent is to put up. Be sure to also look into the type of material used and the quality of the poles and attachments. A good family camping tent should be made to last a long time and hold up to the rigors of the great outdoors.

Once you have found several family camping tents you like, then you can narrow down your selection according to your personal preferences. Some family camping tents are a large one room design, while others have a tunnel between two rooms that children find a lot of fun. Also consider the size and space available in the vehicle that will be used for camping trips. Many models are made to be compact and space saving for smaller vans and cars.

Family camping trips are worthwhile. Be sure to be properly prepared with one of the high quality family camping tents available for a more enjoyable vacation.

Another characteristic that sets Appalachia apart from the rest of the United States and even the world is the fine dining. Sure, theres the southern classics,fried everything and Mamas home cooking,but the mountain dwellers have more delicacies from their unique palettes. These mouth-watering menu items arent found anywhere else, so next time you visit, make sure to get a sample and a copy of the recipe, if theyll part with it.

Corn Cob Jelly: A combination of boiled corncobs, sure-jell, and sugar, served and eaten like standard jelly on bread.

Pickled Crab Apples: Add six cups of vinegar, eight cups of brown sugar, cloves, and cinnamon to eight pounds of crab apples in boiling water. Can them in jars and add syrup. Seal for a cold, winter treat.

Tennessee is flush with streams and rivers. This makes fly fishing spots plentiful, particularly in East Tennessee.

Almost every different part of the country and the World can make their case as a fly fishing paradise and the debate rages on unabated. East Tennessee fly fishing fans are right in the middle of this debate claiming their home waters as the best and most productive anywhere, and they have a very good case. East Tennessee is home to two of the most productive tail waters in the country, The Watauga River and the South Holston River. It is also a gateway to the Great Smoky Mountain National Park.

The two rivers are considered top trout fisheries. In the Watauga, there is a small area that is open to wading and most of the fishing is done from drift boats. One stretch of the river, about 16 miles long, is so productive that it is regulated by special laws by the Tennessee gaming commission. Drift boat fishing is also the norm on the South Holston. The local East Tennessee fly fishing guides not only provide equipment and advice, but also provide the boats needed to put you on top of these trout producing fisheries.

Each year several trophy sized trout are taken from the two rivers. They are not the only fishing hot spots in East Tennessee. The area is full of fast moving streams and crystal clear lakes that offer fly fishing adventures for trout as well as other fly gobbling species. The hilly and virtually unspoiled countryside provides the scenic background that always rounds out a true fly fishing experience.

It is the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, however, where the setting is almost as important as the fishing. The Smokey Mountains is the home of the largest tract of unspoiled wilderness remaining in the Eastern United States. It is still very much how it was when the first European settlers ventured over the mountains from the coast to push into and explore this New World. It has not changed since Native American tribes roamed over its peaks and pulled fish from its pristine waters for thousands of years before these settlers ever crossed the ocean.

Almost 700 miles of streams drain the Smokey Mountains and provide an East Tennessee fly fishing paradise. Rainbow and Brown trout have been stocked in these waters and thrive here. In the upper and most remote reaches of the Mountains, you can find large native brook trout that have been living in these waters since the Ice Age. You may travel around the world in search of the ultimate fly fishing adventure, or you may simply travel to East Tennessee. There is a very good chance you will find it there.

Nomad Fly Fishing Journals make great fathers day gifts and are available at NomadJournals.com.

Why buy a pontoon boat?
First of all, it is the only boat that is known as a “Party Boat”. However, if you need additional reasons there plenty. This type of boat offers many attractive features; the low price, plenty of extra room for stretching out or taking a group of people for a ride. They are also easily customized to specific needs, and come in various models. Some pontoon boats are intended for fishing, others for cruising, and some have a dual purpose.

What can I do with a pontoon boat?
There are a wide variety of uses for a pontoon boat. The biggest perk that I know of is that you can fit a lot more people than on most other types of boats. The more, the merrier. Right? There are many accessories available that can be added to your pontoon boat to customize it for your use. You can have bench seating all around the sides, in rows, or just use lawn furniture and tables. Adding a camper enclosure can make most all pontoons suitable for spending a night on board. Attaching a canopy makes your pontoon boat ready for an afternoon cruise with family and friends by providing shade from the hot sun. For the fishermen; you can get built in livewells, rod holders, and bait buckets. The deck of a pontoon boat also makes a great platform for fishing with the buddies. It is also an ideal boat to use for scuba diving. Some models are even fast enough to pull the kids on water skis, wake boards, or tubes.
These boats are also available with freshwater and toilet facilities.

What is a pontoon boat made of?
A pontoon boat is a lightweight vessel. The hull of the boat is constructed of tubes called pontoons, which taper in at the front of the boat. This allows for better movement and speed in the water. An aluminum frame attaches the pontoons to the deck platform. The deck of a pontoon boat can be made out of wood, aluminum or fiberglass. There is a railing all around the deck for safety. This comes in useful for the occasions when the boat is used for party cruising.

Where should I take my pontoon boat?
The best place to cruise on your pontoon boat is in a lake, river, or other calm water. They are not made for the sea because of its shallow hull. Waves over two feet will be washing on to the deck of your boat. So I would stay away from the rough waters of the ocean.

Pontoon Facts:
Depending on the size of the Pontoon boat; it can hold anywhere from 6-17 people.
The sizes range from 14 to 28 feet.
The average price of a pontoon boat is $11,000; with prices ranging anywhere from $7,000 – $30,000 new. A used pontoon boat can range from $1,000 – $15,000.
Pontoon boats use an outboard engine and stern drive; with horsepower ranging from 10HP to 135HP.